New Balance and Shohei Ohtani Announce the Superstar’s First Signature Collection

Today, New Balance, together with two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, officially announce the international sensation’s first signature collection with the brand. The Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection expresses his dominant dual talents at the plate and on the mound, featuring on-field performance styles, off-field sports style essentials and his first signature cleat, with an official launch date of July 15. Consumers in Fort Worth, Texas can exclusively shop the collection 24 hours in advance of the retail launch at the New Balance MLB All-Star Weekend pop-up event.

The collection showcases Shohei’s logo, a sketch of him rounding first base, as announced by New Balance in March. His love of the game shines most evidently in his base running ability, and the logo represents his athleticism and unique talents as a hitter and pitcher, making a significant moment in an already historic career.

 The pieces draw inspiration directly from the game itself. The classic neutral tones mixed with Marsh Green are reminiscent of the infield dirt, pitcher’s mound and outfield, blending tradition with modern minimalism on the woven jacket, woven pants and cotton tees. The overlocking stitch lines on the French Terry pieces mimic the stitching on a baseball. Many items feature double pockets, a nod to the duality of Shohei’s unique talent as a two-way player.

Shohei is a master craftsman who sweats every detail. Each design was carefully crafted to replicate the comfort and movement needed for the rigors of pitching and batting, specifically for the athlete who believes that every detail matters.

 “I have a deep respect for the heritage of baseball and the sport itself, and I love that the collection pays tribute to the traditional old-school style while bringing a new-school twist. Every item can fit an athlete’s wardrobe on and off the field and collaborating with New Balance to capture that perfect balance was such an exciting moment for me,” says Shohei.

The launch of the Ohtani 1 is where versatility meets high performance. With insight from Shohei and created for the unique needs of the two-way player, the cleat was designed to sit closer to the ground. Comfort and durability are covered through the integration of FuelCell foam with a raised triangle pattern along the toe box reminiscent of the ceilings in some NPB ballparks in Japan. A premium PU upper adds superior durability for consistency throughout the long season without compromising flex. The Ohtani 1 launches in two classic colors, white with gold and black with gold, and will be available in metal cleat and turf styles.

“In designing Shohei’s spike, we knew every detail mattered,” says Matt Nuzzo, Senior Product Manager for Field of Play at New Balance. “Comfort, durability and ground feel were the most important to him, so there are no contours or recesses on the plate to maintain a flat surface underfoot to help prevent mud from caking and to allow the studs to interact with the ground. The studs themselves are approximately 2mm lower to the ground compared to traditional spikes, as this concept of ground feel and using the ground as leverage is something well understood in Japanese baseball but less so in other parts of the baseball world where thick, cushioned midsoles act to help alleviate the stud pressure underfoot.”

Additional on-field performance drops for the collection are expected this Winter. For more information, visit www.newbalance.com/baseball.

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world.  New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K.  New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales.  To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.